What do you think?
Rate this book
Jayne Frost #4.5
When Birdie Babysat Spider
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.
Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost's daughter, Santa Claus's niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now...private investigator. Sort of.
But none of that matters at the moment, because Jayne is headed back to the North Pole to visit her family, and leaving everyone’s favorite werewolf, Birdie Caruthers, to watch her cat, Spider.
With the heartfelt promise that all will be well, Birdie follows Jayne’s instructions to the letter. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop Spider from getting into trouble.
It takes the help of a gentlemen friend (and a few others), for Birdie to make things right again. But not before her love life takes a very interesting turn…
Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost's daughter, Santa Claus's niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now...private investigator. Sort of.
But none of that matters at the moment, because Jayne is headed back to the North Pole to visit her family, and leaving everyone’s favorite werewolf, Birdie Caruthers, to watch her cat, Spider.
With the heartfelt promise that all will be well, Birdie follows Jayne’s instructions to the letter. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop Spider from getting into trouble.
It takes the help of a gentlemen friend (and a few others), for Birdie to make things right again. But not before her love life takes a very interesting turn…
82 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2017
238 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
187 books3,416 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
November 22, 2023
WHEN BIRDIE BABYSAT SPIDER is so cute! I love Birdie and a novella all about cat-sitting and the adventures when things go haywire? Count me in! When Birdie is petsitting for Spider and he escapes through an open window, she’s forced to call on her friends in Nocturne Falls to help. This had some great cameos by some of my favorite characters, and a touch of romance for Birdie! I hope Kristen Painter writes lots more of these!
July 27, 2019
This is a lovely little story in the Nocturne Falls/Jayne Frost series. Birdie is as always a true bright light in the series and it was good to see her character take center stage. Like the character of Stanhill though, I think Birdie deserves a full story. The author keeps the story light and very feel good. If you need a short pick-me up kind of story this is it.
I was also very excited to hear B.J. Harrison versus Hollis McCarthy. I love Hollis and how she does Jayne’s characters but the main Nocturne Falls characters belong to B.J. Harrison and he didn’t disappoint.
I was also very excited to hear B.J. Harrison versus Hollis McCarthy. I love Hollis and how she does Jayne’s characters but the main Nocturne Falls characters belong to B.J. Harrison and he didn’t disappoint.
May 31, 2021
Short and very sweet, this story introduces werewolf Birdie to Princess Jayne's talking cat Spider. We also meet an older gentleman who is attracted to Birdie! Several interesting things occur; you have to read it to see what happens!
June 27, 2021
A short story, 4.5 in the spin-off Jayne Frost subseries (8.2 in the fantasy magical realism mystery Nocturne Falls Universe) and revolving around a winter elf, Jayne Frost. The couple focus is on Birdie Caruthers, Spider, Jayne's cat, and Jack Van Zant.
My Take
That Birdie. She knows everyone and can find anything. As for that Spider, he is such a cutie. I love listening to him talk, and sort of wish that my cats would talk to me.Yeahhh, maybe not . . .
Ooh, this is the story where Birdie gets that blue hair.
Painter uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Birdie's and Jack's perspectives. It certainly makes it easy to listen in on Birdie reflecting back on her deceased husband and comparing him to Jack. Although, there's that question of loss. And I don't mean just Spider!
This is also the story in which Birdie acknowledges all the negatives about herself. It's rather nice to find someone who is honest about herself . . . and still plunges forward, lol. I like Jack's perspective too. He thinks Birdie is all that and the "smartest thing on two legs".
It's sweet and a bit scary when Birdie loses Spider through that window, and they get together a most interesting search party.
The Story
It's perfect timing! Jayne needs someone to catsit Spider, and Birdie is having her house repainted. There's also a chance for Birdie to have a date with that handsome Jack . . .
The Characters
Birdie Caruthers is the sheriff's aunt, the police receptionist, the town gossip, and a werewolf. John had been her beloved husband. Sheriff Hank Merrow, a werewolf, is married to Ivy, another werewolf ( The Werewolf Meets His Match , 2). They have two children: Charlie and Hannah Rose. Hank and Titus, the fire chief, are Birdie's nephews. Birdie's niece (Hank and Titus' sister) is Bridget who owns Howler's, a popular local bar. She's dating Sam, a werewolf firefighter.
Jack Van Zant is another familiar and Cole's dad. Maxine is his late wife. Kizmet is the kitty that was lost. Pandora Williams is a witchy realtor married? to Professor Cole Van Zant, who teaches at Harmswood, is a familiar who turns into a raven ( The Professor Woos the Witch , 4). Kaley is Cole's daughter, also a witch. Willa Iscove is a lapidus fae with a jewelry store, Illusions ( The Gargoyle Gets His Girl , 3).
Jayne Frost is the Winter Princess as the heir to her father, Jack Frost's, Winter throne. She's also Santa's niece and the manager for Santa's Workshop in Nocturne Falls. Spider is her black cat who can talk. Juniper and Buttercup are her employees. Sinclair Crowe, the necromancer owner of Zombie Donuts, is the new man in Jayne's life.
Nocturne Falls, Georgia, is . . .
. . . a small town where supernaturals are hiding in plain sight and most of the town is owned by a vampire family, the Ellinghams. Sebastian is the oldest grandson, a vampire, who is with Tessa Blythe, a valkyrie, Jenna's sister, and a librarian at Harmswood, is engaged to Sebastian, and they are trying for a baby.
Deputies include Alex Cruz, a panther shifter who's involved with Roxy St James, a paranormal romance writer who's under deadline ( The Shifter Romances the Writer , 6) and Jenna Blythe, a valkyrie. Salvatore's is everyone's favorite pizza place. The Black Rose, a D&B that caters to vampires, is run by Mrs Edna Turnbuckle, a hobbit.
Agnes Balfour started the first coven in Nocturne Falls. She's also Pandora's greats-great-grandmother. The Black and Orange Ball is a really big deal in Nocturne Falls at Halloween.
The Cover and Title
The cover is the brick wall in the back of Santa's Workshop with a view to the notorious window in the upper left. Well, not to mention the other four windows that are obscured and the grayed-out, fuchsia paneled door that is behind Birdie's elbow. The bare branches of a tree provide a bit of life between the white-haired Birdie in her bright fuchsia dress where she's holding a gray mouse in her left hand and looking back up to the window. The title is at the top in white with a thick black outline. The author's name is at the bottom in white with a black outline. The info blurb is beneath the author's name with a fuzzy black background. A pale blue round badge is nestled in with the title proclaiming this a Jayne Frost Short.
The title tells the truth for this is "When Birdie Babysat Spider".
My Take
That Birdie. She knows everyone and can find anything. As for that Spider, he is such a cutie. I love listening to him talk, and sort of wish that my cats would talk to me.Yeahhh, maybe not . . .
Ooh, this is the story where Birdie gets that blue hair.
Painter uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Birdie's and Jack's perspectives. It certainly makes it easy to listen in on Birdie reflecting back on her deceased husband and comparing him to Jack. Although, there's that question of loss. And I don't mean just Spider!
This is also the story in which Birdie acknowledges all the negatives about herself. It's rather nice to find someone who is honest about herself . . . and still plunges forward, lol. I like Jack's perspective too. He thinks Birdie is all that and the "smartest thing on two legs".
It's sweet and a bit scary when Birdie loses Spider through that window, and they get together a most interesting search party.
The Story
It's perfect timing! Jayne needs someone to catsit Spider, and Birdie is having her house repainted. There's also a chance for Birdie to have a date with that handsome Jack . . .
The Characters
Birdie Caruthers is the sheriff's aunt, the police receptionist, the town gossip, and a werewolf. John had been her beloved husband. Sheriff Hank Merrow, a werewolf, is married to Ivy, another werewolf ( The Werewolf Meets His Match , 2). They have two children: Charlie and Hannah Rose. Hank and Titus, the fire chief, are Birdie's nephews. Birdie's niece (Hank and Titus' sister) is Bridget who owns Howler's, a popular local bar. She's dating Sam, a werewolf firefighter.
Jack Van Zant is another familiar and Cole's dad. Maxine is his late wife. Kizmet is the kitty that was lost. Pandora Williams is a witchy realtor married? to Professor Cole Van Zant, who teaches at Harmswood, is a familiar who turns into a raven ( The Professor Woos the Witch , 4). Kaley is Cole's daughter, also a witch. Willa Iscove is a lapidus fae with a jewelry store, Illusions ( The Gargoyle Gets His Girl , 3).
Jayne Frost is the Winter Princess as the heir to her father, Jack Frost's, Winter throne. She's also Santa's niece and the manager for Santa's Workshop in Nocturne Falls. Spider is her black cat who can talk. Juniper and Buttercup are her employees. Sinclair Crowe, the necromancer owner of Zombie Donuts, is the new man in Jayne's life.
Nocturne Falls, Georgia, is . . .
. . . a small town where supernaturals are hiding in plain sight and most of the town is owned by a vampire family, the Ellinghams. Sebastian is the oldest grandson, a vampire, who is with Tessa Blythe, a valkyrie, Jenna's sister, and a librarian at Harmswood, is engaged to Sebastian, and they are trying for a baby.
Deputies include Alex Cruz, a panther shifter who's involved with Roxy St James, a paranormal romance writer who's under deadline ( The Shifter Romances the Writer , 6) and Jenna Blythe, a valkyrie. Salvatore's is everyone's favorite pizza place. The Black Rose, a D&B that caters to vampires, is run by Mrs Edna Turnbuckle, a hobbit.
Agnes Balfour started the first coven in Nocturne Falls. She's also Pandora's greats-great-grandmother. The Black and Orange Ball is a really big deal in Nocturne Falls at Halloween.
The Cover and Title
The cover is the brick wall in the back of Santa's Workshop with a view to the notorious window in the upper left. Well, not to mention the other four windows that are obscured and the grayed-out, fuchsia paneled door that is behind Birdie's elbow. The bare branches of a tree provide a bit of life between the white-haired Birdie in her bright fuchsia dress where she's holding a gray mouse in her left hand and looking back up to the window. The title is at the top in white with a thick black outline. The author's name is at the bottom in white with a black outline. The info blurb is beneath the author's name with a fuzzy black background. A pale blue round badge is nestled in with the title proclaiming this a Jayne Frost Short.
The title tells the truth for this is "When Birdie Babysat Spider".
December 8, 2017
Yay! Birdie got her own story <3 When Jayne goes out of town for a couple of days, Birdie cat sits Spider. Enjoy!
January 10, 2020
Aww, Spider....
Birdie is baby sitting Spider. And she has a gentleman caller. When returning to check on Spider and so everyone can have dinner. She realizes the screen came out of the window and is horrified Spider is lost... and it’s snowing.
An adorable little tail tale starring Spider and Birdie, plus some pals who want to help out.
Birdie is baby sitting Spider. And she has a gentleman caller. When returning to check on Spider and so everyone can have dinner. She realizes the screen came out of the window and is horrified Spider is lost... and it’s snowing.
An adorable little tail tale starring Spider and Birdie, plus some pals who want to help out.
March 19, 2018
Really cute short story...Spider is so funny!
October 6, 2022
This was a solid 3.5 star
When I first started listening to this one it took me a moment to adjust to a new narrator. BUT loved this short story and loved learning more about Birdie. This was just the break needed in the series.
When I first started listening to this one it took me a moment to adjust to a new narrator. BUT loved this short story and loved learning more about Birdie. This was just the break needed in the series.
January 22, 2018
I loved this novella! It was fun getting Birdies pov. Birdie is an awesome character and I'm glad she's going to give Jack a chance! Loved the interactions with her and Spider as well!
December 17, 2017
When Birdie Babysat Spider by Kristen Painter
A Jayne Frost, Nocturne Falls novella. Without Jayne.
Cute, fast, and engaging. No mystery. A bit of romance.
We’ve all loved Birdie. Now we learn just a smidge more about her and her world.
“Blood served at the D&B is ethically sourced thanks to the Nocturne Falls Blood Bank.”
Okay, good to know. Chuckling.
And from Birdie’s point of view:
“He glanced at her. “You sure look pretty today.”
Flattery was nonsense, but that didn’t mean she didn’t like it.”
A Jayne Frost, Nocturne Falls novella. Without Jayne.
Cute, fast, and engaging. No mystery. A bit of romance.
We’ve all loved Birdie. Now we learn just a smidge more about her and her world.
“Blood served at the D&B is ethically sourced thanks to the Nocturne Falls Blood Bank.”
Okay, good to know. Chuckling.
And from Birdie’s point of view:
“He glanced at her. “You sure look pretty today.”
Flattery was nonsense, but that didn’t mean she didn’t like it.”
December 20, 2017
This story is an overload of cuteness, especially for Nocturne Falls fans. Highly anticipated, and finally delivered as a Christmas gift from one of our favourite authors, this story features Birdie, Nocturne Falls favourite character and Spider, Nocturne Falls favourite and most prominently featured little black cat. Unlike other times, we get to see Birdie at her most confused and most vulnerable, which was an unexpected but nice experience. We get to know Jack van Zandt, Cole's father, who we met briefly in the last Jayne book. But most importantly, we get to spend some quality time with Spider, which is as I said overload of cuteness. The story can be read as standalone, but why would anyone want to do that when there is abundance of stories that can be read beforehand?
This is the latest in the fantastic Nocturne Falls series, which I highly recommend. The Nocturne Falls reading order is: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls #1), The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls #2), The Gargoyle Gets His Girl (Nocturne Falls, #3), The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls, #4), and The Witch’s Halloween Hero (Nocturne Falls #4.5) in Spell of the Ball Anthology, The Werewolf's Christmas Wish (Nocturne Falls #4.6) in Hex the Halls Anthology, The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls #5), A Vampire's Valentine Surprise (Nocturne Falls #5.5), Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #1), The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls #6), Miss Frost Ices The Imp : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #2), The Vampire’s True Love Trials (Nocturne Falls #6.5) in Taming the Vampire collection, Miss Frost Saves The Sandman : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #3), The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls #7), The Vampire's Accidental Wife (Nocturne Falls #8), Miss Frost Cracks A Caper (Jayne Frost #4), When Birdie Babysat Spider: A Jayne Frost Short (Jayne Frost #4.5), and ever growing series of Nocturne Universe Novels, which surpassed 25 by now. Great world to get yourself immersed in.
This is the latest in the fantastic Nocturne Falls series, which I highly recommend. The Nocturne Falls reading order is: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls #1), The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls #2), The Gargoyle Gets His Girl (Nocturne Falls, #3), The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls, #4), and The Witch’s Halloween Hero (Nocturne Falls #4.5) in Spell of the Ball Anthology, The Werewolf's Christmas Wish (Nocturne Falls #4.6) in Hex the Halls Anthology, The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls #5), A Vampire's Valentine Surprise (Nocturne Falls #5.5), Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #1), The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls #6), Miss Frost Ices The Imp : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #2), The Vampire’s True Love Trials (Nocturne Falls #6.5) in Taming the Vampire collection, Miss Frost Saves The Sandman : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #3), The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls #7), The Vampire's Accidental Wife (Nocturne Falls #8), Miss Frost Cracks A Caper (Jayne Frost #4), When Birdie Babysat Spider: A Jayne Frost Short (Jayne Frost #4.5), and ever growing series of Nocturne Universe Novels, which surpassed 25 by now. Great world to get yourself immersed in.
January 1, 2021
Series: Jayne Frost #4.5
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
When Jayne decides to take a quick trip to the North Pole to visit her family, she asks Birdie Caruthers to watch her cat, Spider. Cat sitting is not as easy as Birdie expected it to be though.
This was a fun novella featuring Birdie, who is a hoot. This novella focused mostly on Birdie and Jack Van Zant. Jack and Birdie have been into each other for a while now but they both have baggage that is keeping them from committing to a relationship. I really enjoyed a different perspective in this series, especially since it was Birdie’s. I also enjoyed the little bit of Jack’s POV as well. Both were great characters and I really hope we see more of them in future books.
This novella just gives you a small glimpse of the mind of Birdie Caruthers and it wasn’t enough. I really want more Birdie stories now, especially since she is always finding trouble
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
When Jayne decides to take a quick trip to the North Pole to visit her family, she asks Birdie Caruthers to watch her cat, Spider. Cat sitting is not as easy as Birdie expected it to be though.
This was a fun novella featuring Birdie, who is a hoot. This novella focused mostly on Birdie and Jack Van Zant. Jack and Birdie have been into each other for a while now but they both have baggage that is keeping them from committing to a relationship. I really enjoyed a different perspective in this series, especially since it was Birdie’s. I also enjoyed the little bit of Jack’s POV as well. Both were great characters and I really hope we see more of them in future books.
This novella just gives you a small glimpse of the mind of Birdie Caruthers and it wasn’t enough. I really want more Birdie stories now, especially since she is always finding trouble
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
December 16, 2020
This was such a cute novella and it was cool to see the perspective of Nocturne Falls from a perspective other than Jayne's (I haven't read the original Nocturne Falls series). Birdie was one of those characters I wasn't initially sure about, but I've grown to love her over the series, so this story about her babysitting Spider was a lot of fun. I won't spoil it for you, but I did laugh about the rescue and I loved the little romance that was in this story. I would love to read other stories from Birdie's point of view so wouldn't mind a few more novellas. I didn't realize this came before the next novel, so I had actually read the novel before reading this short and knew what essentially happened, but there were a few things I didn't know. Either way, it was a great short story!
December 21, 2017
Wow, I am in heaven. That was the most amazing read! So much packed into a short story. I’m dying to talk about the whole thing. If I could cast a spell on readers, I would insist they read this. I know you won’t regret it. Spider is the most adorable kitty. And Birdie is one of my favorite characters. I was so happy to see Jack again and love how the story went. We also got to see more of Pandora and a few others. There was also some stuff that I totally didn’t see coming. Kristen is so clever. I don’t know how she does it, especially to write so many books and they are always full of new fresh stuff. She is my hero!
January 25, 2018
All's well that ends well!
As usual we are treated to a delightful little romp with Birdie's adventures in cat-sitting. Unnerving enough to discover the cat you are cat-sitting can talk, but what do you do when he suddenly goes missing? Just add in a little romance for the two main members of the search party, and it will surely be a night to remember, despite all of Birdie's anxieties. What an enchanting story! (Wonder if our little talking Spider and newly found Kizmet get their own story eventually? )
As usual we are treated to a delightful little romp with Birdie's adventures in cat-sitting. Unnerving enough to discover the cat you are cat-sitting can talk, but what do you do when he suddenly goes missing? Just add in a little romance for the two main members of the search party, and it will surely be a night to remember, despite all of Birdie's anxieties. What an enchanting story! (Wonder if our little talking Spider and newly found Kizmet get their own story eventually? )
December 8, 2019
2019 bk 400. And for my 400th book of the year... I choose a short story. Had to, it was next in order for the series. I enjoyed this book because the older characters in the series were featured. I love Birdie and her "everyone in the world is a friend, unless they hurt my friend" attitude. The cover is not quite accurate - Birdie had accidently died her hair blue and Jayne Frost's cat is not sure about his babysitter, almost scared, so he falls out the window trying to stay away from her. Nuff said - that gives you an idea of what will happen, or does it?
July 3, 2022
Shockingly, this little novella with Birdie and Jack has been the best read in the series this far. Spider’s such a fun character and his interaction with Birdie is hilarious. Birdie and Jack’s little hunt through the town to find a “missing” spider and roping in Cole and Pandora was cute.
June 22, 2018
This was a super fast, super fun visit to Nocturne Falls. Probably my least favourite so far (though I adore Birdie and Spider) but it was still really enjoyable.
October 27, 2019
I could read about Birdie all day
May 4, 2021
Birdie and Spider are lots of fun!
October 6, 2021
I listened to the audiobook. Great narrator and a fun light-hearted story with a sprinkle of romance, set in Nocturne Falls. The characters are shifters. 3.5 stars. 😀
November 23, 2020
Seriously you can’t get much better than a little Birdie and Spider time. This book is a hoot!! I laughed all the way through.
December 26, 2017
Oh, this was such a cute short story to add to Miss Frost’s series!! I love Spider and his cute assessments of the people in the story. I always wonder what my pup is thinking about, and I Iike that Spider can speak his mind! Also, really enjoyed reading about Birdie! I’m glad her character saw some attention, I’d love to read more about her!
December 27, 2020
3.5 stars. Super short story that has nothing to do with the overall series beyond the fact that Spider and Birdie are in it. It was cute though! I adore Spider.
December 14, 2017
This Fun, Festive and Easy to Read Jayne Frost/Nocturne Falls short should appeal to fans of the series and keep them happy until the next full length novel appears! :)
December 13, 2017
When our favorite werewolf and talking cat team up, antics are bound to follow. This cute short about Birdie's adventures babysitting Spider is the story we all want about Birdie. A cute read that I couldn't put down.
December 9, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
I love Birdie. She is such a firecracker.
It was fantastic that Birdie got her own story. ( and her groove on )
I am so hoping that we get to read more about her building romance w/ Jack.
Spider finally talk in front of another person besides Jayne.
Finally !
This was a very sweet short story.
More Birdie + Jack please!
Loved the characters + Loved the storytelling!
I love Birdie. She is such a firecracker.
It was fantastic that Birdie got her own story. ( and her groove on )
I am so hoping that we get to read more about her building romance w/ Jack.
Spider finally talk in front of another person besides Jayne.
Finally !
This was a very sweet short story.
More Birdie + Jack please!
Loved the characters + Loved the storytelling!
December 10, 2017
Loved this book! The whole Jayne Frost series is wonderful, and When Birdie Babysat Spider is a fun novella to an already very entertaining series. I hope we see another story with the focus on Aunt Birdie!
September 6, 2018
I just love birdie. she is one of my favorite characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews